Middle Eastern Pistachio Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

History of the Recipe ✍️

This cake is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern pastries, where pistachios are a key ingredient. Used in many recipes, pistachios lend this cake a delicate flavor and unique green color, evoking the sweet flavors of the region.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

• 200 g unsalted pistachios, ground into powder
• 100 g all-purpose flour
• 150 g granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 100 ml light olive oil or neutral oil
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon rose water or orange blossom water
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for added moisture)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

1. baking powder, and salt.
2. Whisk the eggs and sugar: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light.
3. Add oil and yogurt: Stir in the oil, yogurt, and rose or orange blossom water into the egg-sugar mixture.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the pistachio-flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until you get a smooth batter.
5. Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
6. Bake the cake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan and serving.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

• Use lightly roasted pistachios to enhance the flavor.
• You can add chopped pistachios on top of the batter before baking for a more authentic look.

Possible Variations 🎭

• Pistachio and lemon cake: Add the zest of one lemon for a refreshing citrusy twist.
• Pistachio-almond cake: Replace part of the pistachio powder with almond flour for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Pistachio-white chocolate cake: Add pieces of white chocolate to the batter for a richer, more indulgent version.

Bake Time 🔥

Approximately 35 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

How to Store 🥡

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

Hot beverages: Pairs well with mint tea or Turkish coffee.

Cold beverages: A glass of almond milk or an orange blossom water drink complements the cake beautifully.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the cake dusted with powdered sugar and crushed pistachios for an authentic look. It looks even more beautiful when topped with dried rose petals.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Pistachios are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E, and antioxidants. They support heart health and provide healthy fats. This butter-free cake is also lighter than traditional cakes.